Uprootmap
Lancaster vs State College
Lancaster and State College
Photo: Goonsnick / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in State College are under the US rate in this release, 1.2 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Lancaster to State College
In 2022-2023, 43 households filed a move from Lancaster to State College (about 55 people, average adjusted gross income $51,000). 64 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,217 in Lancaster and $1,342 in State College. Lancaster has a state tax on wages. State College has a state tax on wages. Local pay in State College is 80% of the national level for the same work, against 95% in Lancaster.
State College averages 181 sunny days, with July highs around 84°F and January nights around 27°F. Lancaster is 194 sunny days, 87°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 20 minutes in State College and 24 in Lancaster.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 43 households moved Lancaster → State College (about 55 people, average AGI $51,000). 64 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Lancaster and State College changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 124 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,650–$3,100
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,100
- Rent a truck
- $400–$750
Explore more
Dig into State College
Questions
Is State College cheaper than Lancaster after tax and rent?
No. State College leaves about $25 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,217 in Lancaster and $1,342 in State College.
Does State College have state income tax?
State College is in Pennsylvania, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from Lancaster to State College?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.